The Walt Disney Company

Lead Software Engineer

The Walt Disney Company$155K — $208K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of backend development experience using Java, Docker, Spring Framework in a large enterprise setting.
  • Proficient in AWS services like ECS, S3, Lambda, and RDS with hands-on implementation experience.
  • Strong knowledge of design patterns and data structures and experience with relational and NoSQL databases.
  • Skilled in agile methodologies and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication skills with a passion for mentoring and fostering team success.

Responsibilities

  • Take ownership of backend Java services from ideation through to performance monitoring.
  • Collaborate across teams to achieve product and business goals.
  • Lead code reviews, guide junior engineers, and ensure high engineering standards.
  • Develop effective solutions and maintain application stability with hands-on development.
  • Write and refine clean, valuable code to add new features and capabilities.
  • Design, debug, and implement new systems and enhancements while interacting with users to gather requirements.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in a renowned company.
  • Supportive and inclusive team culture promoting innovation.
  • Mentoring opportunities to grow leadership skills among junior engineers.
  • Engagement in diverse projects impacting various Disney brands.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Lead Software Engineer

Req ID:


Job Description:

We are a group of Disney technologists who love to work on the latest technology to build new features, and improve existing components of Disney's Online Platform specializing in Ticketing Products for various brands within the Walt Disney Company. Key Products include Tickets, Annual Passes, Special Events, and Park Reservations supporting both Disneyland, and Walt Disney World.

What You'll Do:
  • End to end ownership of backend Java services: ideate, review design, build, code-review, test, load-test, launch, monitor performance.
  • Collaborate with other team members (including senior engineers, product owners, TPMs, and other business units) to achieve product and business requirements.
  • Develop effective solutions, lead code reviews, hands-on development to lead and drive quality, and maintain application stability.
  • Lead code reviews and provide leadership and direction to junior engineers while developing high engineering standards.
  • Write complex programs, analyze code changes and suggest improvements.
  • Check-in valuable, clean code on a daily basis that adds new features and capabilities.
  • Create reference implementations for the purpose of mentoring and leading more junior staff (when required).
  • Own the analysis, design, program, debugging, and modifications of software improvements and/or new products used in local, networked, cloud-based, or Internet-related computer programs
  • Lead projects that may be used in commercial and end-user applications or focus on software and tools supporting infrastructure and technology platforms
  • Work typically involves large or highly sophisticated software programs and systems
  • Possess an in-depth knowledge of current backend programming language and technologies, with strong skills in writing code and completing programming tasks
  • May perform or lead testing and debugging of applications, identifying innovative solutions
  • Conceive, design, develop, test, and implement software components, fixes, improvements, and/or new systems and applications
  • Interact with users to define system requirements and/or necessary modifications
  • Help engage around the estimation and planning of highly sophisticated scalable projects and their budget allocations
  • You will be expected to stay up to date with emerging technologies so you can make informed recommendations


Required Qualifications & Skills:
  • A minimum of 7 years related work experience in backend development or software engineering in a large enterprise environment using Java/Docker/Spring Framework.
  • Comfortable working in an agile environment
  • A visionary who motivates teams to excel and fosters creativity, consistently driving excellence in all endeavors
  • An advocate for a diverse and inclusive culture that encourages innovation and ensures every team member feels a sense of belonging
  • Familiar with [add required technologies here], with a desire to further develop technical expertise in data engineering tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies
  • Possess AWS managed service solution design and implementation experience
  • Strong experience with AWS related services such as ECS, S3, Lambdas, and RDS.
  • Ability to thrive within a fast-paced software application delivery, and product launch environment.
  • Hands On Knowledge on Design Patterns, and Data Structures.
  • Be able to demonstrate significant experience working with relational databases, and NoSQL data stores.
  • Have a strong interest in open source technology.
  • Possess good communication skills and enjoy mentoring and helping others to succeed as a team.


Required Education:
  • Bachelor's or foreign equivalent Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or comparable field of study, and/or equivalent work experience


Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
  • Knowledge of performance testing and application profiling.
  • Experience with AI tools such as RAG, Cursor, Github MCP, MariaDB MCP.
  • 7+ Java experience, Spring Framework.
  • Experience with AWS Suite (Service Management and Deployments, EC2 and ECS Containers, Elastic Search Caching, S3, Fargate, Lambdas, DynamoDB, MariaDB/MySQL, Kinesis, Developer Tools).
  • Experience with jUnit Testing (Familiarity with jUnit 5 Preferred).
  • Familiarity with Firebase Test Lab, Sauce Labs Test Cloud.
  • Experience with GitLab, GitHub, GitHub Co-Pilot, Cursor.
The hiring range for this position in California is $155,700.00 to $208,700.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:
DX Technology

Job Posting Primary Business:
Commerce

Primary Job Posting Category:
Software Engineer

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-04-07

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows. Using the company's portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services, and consumer products, Walt Disney seeks to develop creative, innovative, and profitable entertainment experiences and related products.

The Walt Disney Company Careers

Join the magical world of The Walt Disney Company, a place where dreams come true and imagination meets innovation. As a global leader in entertainment and media, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that invite you to be part of a beloved brand known for its influential culture, diversity, and dynamic growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a career journey with The Walt Disney Company and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of media and entertainment. Engage in work that matters, contributes to storytelling excellence, and brings joy to millions around the globe. Transform your professional life by joining a team that values creativity, leadership, and visionary thinking. The Walt Disney Company stands at the forefront of industry innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and beyond. Lead with us from a unique position in the marketplace, where your skills in technology, creativity, and management converge to create extraordinary experiences. Collaborate with a diverse group of talented professionals, united in their passion for delivering magical experiences. Our team at The Walt Disney Company is composed of over 200,000 dedicated individuals who thrive in an environment that fosters growth, mentorship, and innovation. Introducing The Walt Disney Company Leadership and Professional Growth Programs We are committed to developing leaders who can navigate the challenges of the digital era and drive success across our various business segments. Our leadership programs are designed to hone your skills and prepare you for executive roles within the company. Do Innovative Work Join our team and contribute to projects that redefine the entertainment landscape. From groundbreaking films and television series to pioneering technological advancements, your work at The Walt Disney Company will set new standards in the creative and business worlds. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Work alongside the best in the business and see how diversity and inclusion fuel our creativity and success. The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to a diverse workforce is evident in our hiring practices, training programs, and our everyday operations. Future-Proof Your Career With a wide array of benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a network of supportive colleagues, your career at The Walt Disney Company is equipped for longevity and success. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, employee discounts, and access to exclusive company events and previews. Explore Job Opportunities and Internships Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student seeking a transformative internship, The Walt Disney Company offers positions across a spectrum of fields and disciplines. Explore our career portal to find job opportunities that match your skills and passions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, apply through our streamlined application process, and take the first step towards a magical career. We look for individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to contribute to our legacy of storytelling and innovation. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and insider perspectives—all from the people who make The Walt Disney Company a place of inspiration and excitement. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and updates that align with your career interests. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at The Walt Disney Company. Join us, and be part of the magic that only happens here at The Walt Disney Company!
Learn more about The Walt Disney Company
Size
190,000 employees
Market Cap
$155.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$4.9 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
+3.9%
Revenue
$60.7 billion
NASDAQ

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